Method and apparatus for a thermo-electric engine

Abstract

An engine apparatus and method for operating same is disclosed. The engine generates electrical energy from phase changes of two different mixtures within chambers of the engine. Thermoelectric generators are preferably utilized to generate electrical energy from thermo differentials within the engine created by phase changes during engine operation. The engine may additionally be operated to perform mechanical based work.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for generating energy, the apparatus comprising:
 a first housing structure configured to contain a first rod-plunger assembly, wherein the first rod-plunger assembly is configured and positioned within the first housing structure to create a first and second gaseous chamber; 
 a second housing structure configured to contain a second rod-plunger assembly, wherein the second rod-plunger assembly is configured and positioned within the second housing structure to create a first and second refrigerant chamber; 
 a first coil wrapped around a first rod of the first rod-plunger assembly; 
 a second coil wrapped around a second rod of the second rod-plunger assembly; 
 a power source configured to supply electrical current to the first and second coils; and 
 an energy storage device configured to store electrical energy generated from movement of the first and second rods and further configured to supply electrical current through at least one of the first and second coils, 
 wherein the first gaseous chamber and the first refrigerant chamber are thermally coupled, and 
 wherein the second gaseous chamber and the second refrigerant chamber are thermally coupled. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one plunger of the first and second rod-plunger assemblies includes at least one thermoelectric generator configured to generate electrical energy from heat differences within the apparatus. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second gaseous chambers contain a gaseous mixture. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second refrigerant chambers contain a refrigerant. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the refrigerant is a Type 1 refrigerant. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the Type 1 refrigerant comprises matter selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, ammonia, or a fluorocarbon. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: an electrical motor mechanically linked to the second rod and configured to provide energy to move the second rod laterally within the second housing structure. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the electrical motor is additionally configured to generate electrical energy when driven by an external mechanical force, and wherein the electrical motor is mechanically linked to the first rod and further configured to generate electrical energy using physical motion of the first rod within the first housing structure. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: a linear actuator mechanically linked to the second rod-plunger assembly and configured to selectively move the second rod within the second housing structure. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first blocking member configured to selectively actuate into the first rod to hold the first rod in a selected position; and 
 a second blocking member configured to selectively actuate into the second rod to hold the second rod in a selected position. 
 
     
     
       11. Apparatus for generating energy, the apparatus comprising:
 a first housing structure configured to contain a first rod-plunger assembly, wherein the first rod-plunger assembly is configured and positioned within the first housing structure to create a first and second gaseous chamber; 
 a second housing structure configured to contain a second rod-plunger assembly, wherein the second rod-plunger assembly is configured and positioned within the second housing structure to create a first and second refrigerant chamber; 
 a linear actuator mechanically linked to the second rod-plunger assembly and configured to selectively move the second rod within the second housing structure, said actuator being configured to receive power from an external power source; 
 an electric generator mechanically linked to the first rod-plunger assembly and configured to generate electrical energy using physical motion of the first rod within the first housing structure; 
 an energy storage device configured to store electrical energy generated by the electrical generator, 
 wherein the first gaseous chamber and the first refrigerant chamber are thermally coupled, and 
 wherein the second gaseous chamber and the second refrigerant chamber are thermally coupled. 
 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the electric generator is a three-phase DC motor configured to generate electrical energy. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein at least one plunger of the first and second rod-plunger assemblies includes at least one thermoelectric generator configured to generate electrical energy from heat differences within the apparatus.